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United States Army Africa

Natural Fire 10 is a multi-national, globally resourced exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The goals are to promote interoperability between U.S. Army Africa and the militaries of partner nations while improving capabilities to respond to complex humanitarian emergencies. Roughly 650 troops from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda will work alongside U.S. Soldiers.

What has U.S. Army Africa done?

U.S. Army Africa and the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force are co-leading the exercise, set to begin in mid-October. Headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, U.S Army Africa is the Army component to United States Africa Command. Together with national and international partners, USARAF conducts sustained security engagement with African land forces to promote security, stability and peace in Africa. As directed, USARAF can deploy a contingency headquarters in support of crisis response.

Soldiers from U.S. Army Europe, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command are taking part in Natural Fire 10, as are aviation and medical units from the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The exercise will take place at three locations in Uganda; Entebbe, Kampala and Kitgum. At the first two sites, U.S. and African military leaders will undertake a tabletop exercise - facing simulated emergencies in Africa. This will challenge senior and mid-level military leaders in responding to disasters, offering humanitarian assistance and preparing for pandemic situations. In Kitgum, U.S. and partner nations' Soldiers will enhance their abilities to work together by training on tasks that support disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Together, they will practice tasks such as convoy operations, crowd control, weapons handling and vehicle checkpoints. Also in Kitgum, U.S.troops and East African partners will provide medical, dental and engineering support to local communities.

Why is this important to the Army?

This exercise will validate U.S. Army Africa's yearlong transition to becoming America's premier Army team for achieving positive change in Africa. By building capacity within partner nations and increasing our ability to work together, U.S. Army Africa will be better prepared for future engagements. In doing so, the U.S. Army also solidifies military rapport with allies in East Africa, key to supporting stability in the region.

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